FCC moves to cut prison phone rates

The Federal Communications Commission will vote August 9 on an order to cut the rates that prisoners pay for interstate phone calls. The agency will also seek public comments on whether to limit rates for calls within states.

“For too long, the high cost of long-distance calls from prisoners to their loved ones across state lines has chronically impacted parents and children, especially among low-income families," Acting FCC Chairwoman Mignon Clyburn said. " Multiple studies have shown that meaningful contact beyond prison walls can make a real difference in maintaining community ties, promoting rehabilitation, and reducing recidivism."